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Trent Consultants News Parent training complements medication for treating behavioral problems in children with PDD

Trent Consultants News Treatment that includes medication plus a structured training program for parents reduces serious behavioral problems in children with autism and related conditions, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The study, which was part of the NIMH Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) Autism Network, was published in the December 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Trent Consultants News: Results from a previous RUPP study reported in 2002 showed that the antipsychotic medication risperidone (Risperdal) reduced such behavior problems as tantrums, aggression and self-injury in children with autism. However, most children's symptoms returned when the medication was discontinued. Although effective, risperidone is associated with adverse effects such as weight gain, which can lead to metabolic changes, obesity and related health problems.

"Medication alone has been shown to help with some symptoms of autism, but its potential is limited," said NIMH Director Thomas R. Insel. "This study shows promise of a more effective treatment protocol that could improve life for children with autism and their families."

In the study, the RUPP group tested the benefits of medication alone compared to medication plus a parent training program that actively involves parents in managing their children's severely disruptive and noncompliant behavior. Parents were taught to modify their children's behavior and learned to enhance their children's daily living skills.

Helping People With Bipolar Disorder

Introduction
Bipolar disorder is a chronic and common mental illness that affects about 5.7 million American adults. It is also known as manic-depressive illness. Although the first symptoms may show up during childhood, the illness usually develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. The main feature of the illness is the unusual shifts in the person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The symptoms of the illness can be so severe that they can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. The good news however is that bipolar disorder can be treated. With prompt and adequate treatment, the affected person can lead a full and productive life.

Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic mood swings. The patient's mood changes from very high, irritable, hyperactive, or excited to low, sad, depressed or hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. The mood changes are accompanied by severe changes in energy and behavior. The periods of "highs" are called manic episodes and the periods of "lows" are called depressed episodes. When the patient experiences the classic recurrent episodes of mania alternating with depression, the illness is called Bipolar I Disorder. If there is no severe episode of mania, the illness is called Bipolar II Disorder. Such patients only experience a mild continuous form of mania called hypomania, alternating with depression.

Manic Episode
A patient is said to have a manic episode if there is elevated mood plus at least three or more of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present:
· Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
· Excessively high or euphoric mood
· Extreme irritability
· Distractibility and inability to concentrate
· Racing thoughts and talking very fast
· Jumping from one idea to another
· Inadequate sleep
· Unrealistic confidence and belief in one's abilities
· Poor judgment
· Spending sprees
· Excessive sexual drive
· Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
· Intrusive and aggressive behavior
· Denial that anything is wrong